Cataract Update

Innovating and Refining Surgical Techniques for Optimal Outcomes

Cataract surgery is among the world’s most commonly performed surgical procedures. It’s also one of the most positive and rapidly rewarding procedures for patients. Restoring an individual’s vision and potentially correcting pre-existing visual deficits is equally gratifying for eye surgeons. At Cleveland Clinic’s Cole Eye Institute, we are innovators in performing, teaching and refining cataract surgery to provide the best surgical outcomes ─ now and looking toward the future. (continued below)

Cataract Related Articles

Tips & Tidbits: Laser Cataract Surgery
A bladeless option that can also reduce astigmatism
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Case Study: MIGS Frees Patients From Eyedrops
MIGS offers a great option for some patients
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Managing Complications of Flomax in Cataract Procedures
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Avoiding Refractive Surprises in Cataract Surgery
Contact lenses, previous surgeries present challenges
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Case Study: Advanced Diagnostics Help Resolve Microsporidial Keratitis
Electron microscopy leads to the resolution of a prolonged case of microsporidial keratitis
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Cornea Transplants: DSAEK Method Superior to PK
Benefits include more rapid return of visual acuity
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(continued) Cole Eye Institute surgeons use the latest cataract surgery technology. Besides the newest hardware, we have for two years now been offering laser-assisted cataract surgery to patients requesting premium services. Surgical astigmatism correction and astigmatic and multifocal lens implants are available. As a tertiary care referral center treating the most-severe eye conditions, we also provide combination surgery, treating cataracts and other intraocular pathology simultaneously. Surgical teams collaborate to save patients additional surgery and speed visual recovery.

We have also taken a leadership role in providing surgical training to residents. A surgery lab ─ with four fully equipped surgical stations and a surgical simulator ─ and an extensive curriculum were created to ensure they are better prepared for patient care.

In no small way, our quality surgical outcomes are a credit to Cole Eye Institute’s advanced imaging and ultrasound team. With cataract patients increasingly having had previous refractive surgery, contact lens wear or requesting premium cataract procedures, the data for calculating lens implant powers is critical.

In the past year, 6,678 cataract operations were performed across Cleveland Clinic, and outcomes are tracked and published annually. Laser surgery outcomes are being added this year and compare favorably with conventional procedures. Additionally, a cataract surgery care path was recently published to help standardize cataract management, maximize quality and control costs.